Ventura Voices

Latest Episodes:

19. CPR saves lives May 21, 2026

Show notes

A sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, to anyone, at any time. In this episode 19, listeners will hear a real Ventura resident survival story and learn why immediate CPR from friends, family members, or even strangers can mean the difference between life and death.

Hosted by Senior Communications Specialist Emily Ayala, this episode features Ventura Fire Department EMS Program Administrator Heather Ellis alongside Ventura residents David and Liz Montoya, who share their deeply personal story of survival after a sudden cardiac arrest.

Hear how Liz recognized the emergency, immediately began CPR, and helped save her husband’s life before firefighter-paramedics arrived on scene.

The conversation explores the realities of cardiac arrest response, the emotional impact of survival and recovery, and why early CPR by bystanders dramatically increases a person’s chance of survival. Listeners will also learn the basics of hands-only CPR and why you shouldn't be afraid to step in and help during an emergency.

Resources:

- Find a CPR class: American Red Cross

- Ventura Fire Department website

18. The voices behind 911 Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

Go behind the scenes of one of the most critical and often unseen roles in public safety: 911 dispatchers. In this episode hosted by Senior Communications Specialist Emily Ayala, Ventura Police Senior Public Safety Dispatchers Malea Munger and Erin Burdine talk about what really happens when you call 911, how calls are prioritized, and how dispatchers keep calm while guiding people through some of their worst moments.

Hear real examples of 911 calls, learn what information callers should be ready to provide, and find out what kids (and adults!) should know before dialing. We also share a few lighter moments, including some of the more unusual, and even funny, calls dispatchers have received.

From life-or-death decisions to everyday problem-solving, this episode offers a deeper understanding of the people who are truly the first first responders, and the critical role they play in keeping our community safe.

Resources:

- Emergency: 911

- 24/7 non-emergency: 805-650-8010

- Front desk: 805-339-4400

- Hiring: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1153/Join-Our-Team

- Report online: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1069/File-a-Police-Report

17. We have a new Fire Chief! Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

Get to know Ventura's new Fire Chief, Kris McDonald, in this special episode hosted by City Manager Bill Ayub. Chief McDonald shares how he got his start in the fire service, what led him to Ventura, and his ideas for improved fire safety in our city.

Hear his take on firefighter recruitment, mental health, mutual aid, and more! Plus, we wrap up the episode with some fun rapid-fire questions that spark some giggles.

This episode offers a closer look at the Ventura Fire Department's evolving priorities and the leadership shaping its next chapter.

Learn more about the topics discussed in this episode:

- Firefighter mental health: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2579/Mental-Health-Wellness

- Fire operations: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1667/Fire-Operations

- Join our team: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2386/Join-Our-Team

16. Behind the Tap: Water Rates & Funding Overview (Part 2) Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

In part two of the Ventura Water series, Communications Manager Jennifer Nance continues her conversation with Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington.

They chat about water rates and funding to support capital improvement projects and ongoing maintenance.

Learn more about Ventura Water:

- https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2268/Ventura-Water

15. Behind the Tap: Water and Wastewater (Part 1) Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

Get to know more about Ventura's water and wastewater systems in this episode hosted by Communications Manager Jennifer Nance. Ventura Water's General Manager, Gina Dorrington, shares information about daily water and wastewater operations, history of our water supplies, local water sources, environmental protections, emergency responsiveness, and more!

This episode offers a closer look at the department’s priorities and the importance of securing Ventura's water future.

Learn more about Ventura Water:

- https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2268/Ventura-Water

14. E.P. Foster Library renovations Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

The E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura will temporarily close beginning March 23, 2026, for a $13 million renovation project.

In this episode, Communications Specialist Taylor Pineda interviews Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram as she shares more about the project's purpose, historical background, funding sources, and impacts on community members. She also talks about the many ways to access library resources during the closure, and how she's seen libraries change lives for the better.

Project updates: www.library.venturacounty.gov/epfoster

13. All things sustainability Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

Get to know the work of Ventura’s Environmental Sustainability Division in this special episode of Ventura Voices hosted by Communications Specialist Alejandra Belalcázar. Environmental Specialists Arriana Rabago and Logan Babcock share how the division has grown from early recycling initiatives into a citywide leader in waste reduction, clean energy, and long-term climate planning.

Hear about the division’s evolving programs, how community programs guide their work, and how initiatives like the Food Waste Recycling Program, Free Compost & Mulch Program, and Green Schools partnerships are helping Ventura build a more sustainable future.

This episode offers a closer look at the department’s programs and the community impact of its efforts.

Learn more about the sustainability topics discussed in this episode:

Environmental Sustainability Division: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/194/Environmental-Sustainability

Food Waste Recycling Program: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/264/Residential-Services

Free Compost & Mulch Program: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2524/Free-Compost-Mulch-Program

Green Schools Program: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1206/Green-Schools-Program

12. Meet the new Chief of Police Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

Get to know Ventura’s new Chief of Police, David Dickey, in this special episode hosted by City Manager Bill Ayub. Chief Dickey shares how he got his start in law enforcement, what led him to join the Ventura Police Department, and his vision for the future of public safety in our city.

Hear his take on the importance of community policing, how trust and transparency guide his leadership, and what the new Mounted Patrol Unit means for Ventura. Plus, we wrap up with some fun rapid-fire questions to help you get to know the person behind the badge.

This episode offers a closer look at the department’s evolving priorities and the leadership shaping its next chapter.

Learn more about the policing topics discussed in this episode:

- Chief David Dickey: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/817/Command-Staff

- E-Bike Safety: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2541/Electric-Bicycles

- Mounted Patrol Unit: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2693/Mounted-Patrol-Unit

- Patrol Task Force: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2630/Patrol-Task-Force

11. Fire prevention May 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Ventura Voices, we're diving into one of Ventura’s most urgent issues—wildfire prevention. With memories of the 2017 Thomas Fire still fresh and new wildfires threatening communities across California each year, we sit down with two wildfire safety leaders to discuss how Ventura residents can prepare and protect.

Ventura Fire Marshal Brett Reed and Stephen Watson, Executive Director of the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council, join Senior Communications Specialist Emily Ayala to unpack the tools and tactics that help prevent the next big fire. From creating defensible space and hardening your home to understanding CAL FIRE's draft fire hazard severity zone maps and the power of Firewise USA communities, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring local stories.

Let this episode be your spark for change.

Resources from the episode:

- Fire Hazard Reduction Program: Cityofventura.ca.gov/FHRP

- CAL FIRE's draft Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Ventura: Cityofventura.ca.gov/FHSZ

- Free Home Wildfire Assessments: venturafiresafe.org/home-wildfire-assessments/

- Firewise USA: https://venturafiresafe.org/firewiseusa/

- VC Alert: https://www.readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert/

10. Facing wildfire: Fire & Water in action Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Public Information Officer Jennifer Nance sits down with Fire Chief David Endaya and Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington for an insightful discussion on the intersection of fire and water and how both departments work together to protect Ventura.

In light of the recent destructive Palisades, Eaton, Hughes, and Mountain Fires, they explore the critical role of fire suppression, water infrastructure, and emergency preparedness. The conversation also takes a look back at the Thomas Fire, reflecting on its lasting impact and the significant changes made over the past seven years to strengthen Ventura’s resilience.

Learn more about emergency preparedness in Ventura at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/EmergencyPreparedness.

Find details about water conservation, rebates, and incentives: https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Conservation
Opt-in to receive emergency notifications through VC Alert at vcalert.org.

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